This Sunday morning, February 23, the Vatican published the text that Pope Francis prepared for the Sunday Angelus. Usually he leads the midday prayer from a window overlooking St. Peter's Basilica, but already last Sunday, he was unable to lead the prayer, not even from the hospital balcony.
The Pope made reference to the Jubilee of Deacons underway at the Vatican, and also spoke of his hospitalization. He also noted that tomorrow, February 24, is the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Today, the vicar of Rome, Cardinal Baldassare Reina, invited the Catholic faithful to join at a Mass for the pope this evening in the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of the diocese. This initiative, organized hastily, is a sign of a growing concern on the part of Catholic leaders in Rome.
According to our information, the Pope is still receiving high-flow oxygen this Sunday morning, which can be dosed as needed. He is not intubated and has not received any further blood transfusions. The Pope is still alert, as the Vatican indicated yesterday, but today's brief note, like yesterday's, does not mention reading newspapers or having breakfast, unlike in previous days.
Here is a Vatican translation of the Holy Father's Sunday Angelus message.
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Brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!
This morning, in St. Peter’s Basilica, the celebration of the Eucharist with the Ordination of some candidates to the diaconate was celebrated. I greet them and the participants in the Jubilee of Deacons, which has taken place in the Vatican in these days; and I thank the Dicasteries for the Clergy and for Evangelization for the preparation of this event.
Dear brother Deacons, you dedicate yourselves to the Word and to the service of charity; you carry out your ministry in the Church with words and deeds, bringing God’s love and mercy to everyone. I urge you to continue your apostolate with joy and – as today’s Gospel suggests – to be a sign of a love that embraces everyone, that transforms evil into goodness and engenders a fraternal world. Do not be afraid to risk love!
On my part, I am confidently continuing my hospitalization at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment; and rest is also part of the therapy! I sincerely thank the doctors and health workers of this hospital for the attention they are showing me and the dedication with which they carry out their service among the sick.
Tomorrow will be the third anniversary of the large-scale war against Ukraine: a painful and shameful occasion for the whole of humanity! As I reiterate my closeness to the suffering Ukrainian people, I invite you to remember the victims of all armed conflicts, and to pray for the gift of peace in Palestine, Israel and throughout the Middle East, Myanmar, Kivu and Sudan.
In recent days I have received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children. Thank you for this closeness, and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me.
Follow the updates on the Pope's health here.
